Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Center for Independent Living, Carmichael House, regarding the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its relevance to health and well-being. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Joan O'Connor and Ms Anne Winslow of the Disability Federation of Ireland and Mr. Michael McCabe and Mr. Gary Lee of the Center for Independent Living.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that any submission or opening statement they have made to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Gary Lee to make his opening statement.